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Two years on Tagrisso

Yesterday (June 30) marked 2 years since I started Tagrisso targeted therapy. The 2-week wait between my biopsy and finding out the genetic testing results was excruciating. Until that point, we couldn't plan anything for the coming weeks or months because we didn't know if I would have to take hard path (chemo or radiation and all the side effects) or the easier path (targeted therapy). Although 2 weeks seemed like an eternity, it was a very quick turnaround. Genetic testing can take as long as 4 weeks. This was one of the main reasons we decided to stay in Germany for the remaining 6 weeks of our sabbatical rather than rushing back home: I could start treatment just 14 days after my biopsy!

When Dr. Reck, the German oncologist, told us that I was a candidate for targeted therapy, we were elated and flooded with relief. I felt like I had won the lottery -- which is a bizarre thing to say when you've been diagnosed with inoperable, incurable lung cancer. 

Tagrisso has been a miracle drug for me. It was approved by the FDA only in 2017. My lung function has improved dramatically since my diagnosis, when climbing just one flight of stairs left me out of breath. Today I forgot to bring my portable to the gym...and I was fine. 

Without insurance, Tagrisso would cost about $15,000 per month, or $500 per pill. I get Tagrisso for free because it's covered by insurance and a special program for extremely expensive medications. 

When Dr. Reck told us the good news, he gave me a prescription and 12 sample Tagrisso pills to tide me over. However, we planned to leave on a 2-week trip around Europe the next day, and finding a pharmacy that could fill the script for this rare, high-cost medicine the same day was nearly impossible. I called numerous pharmacies, to no avail. Miraculously, the University of Hamburg hospital pharmacy happened to have just the right amount of Tagrisso in stock, so I biked there to pick it up. And that's how my Tagrisso journey started. 

We have a digital photo frame at home with 12,373 photos on random shuffle. On Saturday, this photo appeared (me with my first Tagrisso pills on June 30, 2022). It's the first time I've seen this photo show up in our frame. 

Comments

  1. Rosita DerstineJuly 1, 2024 at 2:19 PM

    Congratulation on this milestone, Esther! Noticing the small miracles that life brings in the midst of sorrow is an exercise in gratitude and you are to be commended for this. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  2. NickyJuly 1, 2024 at 3:17 PM

    What a milestone!!! The non-insured prices are astounding to me. I can't wrap my head around that. I'm so thankful that you were able to get what you need.
    Happy Canada Day 🇨🇦

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Esther PrinsJuly 3, 2024 at 10:18 AM

      Thank you, Rosita! Yes, it is nuts. We so desperately need single payer. So much money wasted. :(

      Delete
  3. NickyJuly 1, 2024 at 3:22 PM

    A picture of Leland and Lily with Joel and Noa on Canada Day just popped up in my Facebook memories!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AlisaJuly 1, 2024 at 6:53 PM

    Praise God! What a journey. He is wonderful & we thank Him for the miracle of Tagrisso. I totally remember this picture. Oh how far the Lord has brought you. I remember the exact moment when I received your news. You have come so far dear friend by His grace.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnnyceJuly 4, 2024 at 7:28 AM

    Wow! I'm so glad you've been the beneficiary of many miracles along the way, and that you've chosen to share them with us. 🙏

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Esther PrinsJuly 4, 2024 at 9:47 AM

      Thank you, Annyce. I've appreciated your support.

      Delete
  6. IreneJuly 11, 2024 at 6:37 AM

    Dear Esther, Praising God with you for this huge milestone and for the gift of Tagrisso! Amen to what Alisa said above. :) Thanking God for you, for your life and for your friendship.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Esther PrinsAugust 17, 2024 at 1:57 PM

      Thank you, Irene! I'm so grateful for you, too.

      Delete

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